Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba dies after cancer battle

Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba has died after a battle with cancer, with the news prompting tributes from colleagues, fans and the wider Nigerian film industry.

Osoba died on Tuesday evening, almost two years after undergoing surgery for breast cancer. Her death was confirmed publicly on Wednesday by actor Alesh Ola Sanni, a close associate and fellow member of the film industry.

Sanni shared the news in an emotional post on Instagram, mourning Osoba as his “dearest sister” and reflecting on the memories they had created together.

“Couldn’t sleep since last night. Rest well. Rest in peace, my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had an amazing time and created wonderful memories together. Till we meet again. I really don’t know what to say. Gosh,” he wrote.

The announcement has led to an outpouring of grief across Nollywood, with actors, other industry colleagues and fans paying tribute to Osoba’s career and the contribution she made to Nigerian cinema.

Osoba was particularly known for appearing in Yoruba-language films. She was also widely admired for the resilience she showed during her public illness and her battle with cancer.

Reports in local media say she sought financial support in November 2024 for a second operation after her condition deteriorated. That appeal followed the breast cancer surgery she had undergone nearly two years before her death.

Her illness had been followed publicly, and her reported request for help drew attention from supporters and members of the Nigerian film community. Following her death, tributes have focused both on her work as an actress and on the strength she displayed during her treatment.

The circumstances of her death were announced by Sanni, who described the personal loss in an Instagram message filled with grief. His tribute recalled the time the pair had spent together and the memories they shared.

Osoba’s death represents another loss for Nollywood, where she had established herself through her work in Yoruba-language productions. Her performances and public fight against cancer made her a familiar and respected figure among audiences and fellow actors.

Colleagues and fans continue to remember her for her screen roles, her place within the Nigerian film industry and the determination she showed while dealing with a worsening condition.